Like many others, I have been sad and angry of recent. I have been horrified at the headlines about the University of Rochester in the paper and horrified about the allegations of women students and faculty. These have been painful and disheartening times.

I abhor and blame the behavior reported of the accused and I feel deeply supportive of the women complainants. I also believe that there have been enough failed responses to go around. Yet, I find myself strangely conflicted. The whole institution now is being blamed and held accountable. Haven’t we already witnessed the limitations of legal “resolutions”?

The story is even more complicated for me. This is an institution with a history and commitment to excellence in many fields and activities. The priority it has placed on outreach to the Rochester community is just one illustration. The University’s dedication to such places as East High, the Golisano Center, and the Mt.Hope Family Center are visible examples. There are countless others. These are not acts of a wholly corrupt institution but one high minded and responsible. Yet, condemn it we must. I just don’t understand how this institution can be so thoroughly and purposely indicted.

When I consider the whole organization, its people and its values, I am no longer confused. I am not confused about the colleagues, faculty and current students I left behind when I retired. I have no interest in damaging them and the institution in any way. Rather, I choose to believe in their good work. I have faith in their best impulses to be better and to bring about change. In fact, the community did begin in earnest right away. Do we really believe that yet another legal brief or judgment can make things better? Hasn’t so far!

There are too many false choices. We’re told the institution is wrong and only lawyers and judges can be trusted to decide. This can’t be resolved internally. I believe it can and should be. Further, I believe that I can be both angry and sad for these women who have felt so betrayed and still hold onto to a belief in the University of Rochester and its people to find better and kinder solutions for them if allowed. I can be angry at what has happened and press hard for change, but I can take little satisfaction in demeaning, attacking or doing harm to the community and its reputation. Rochester alumni, students, faculty and staff deserve this much. The institution has been a leader in areas of sexual harassment in the past and will be again. New standards are already being raised from within with the whole community rallying in support.

Jody Asbury is former Dean of Students and University Intercessor at the University of Rochester.